（6） If I kiss you intensely!
Next scene -
Maya's eyes burned with equal parts rage and humiliation as she stormed into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.
The moment her gaze fell on her reflection in the mirror, the scene from a few minutes ago flashed violently in her mind.
Her breath hitched.
"No..."
In a sudden burst of frustration, she swept the items off the counter. Bottles crashed against the marble floor, the sharp sound echoing in the confined space.
Then her strength gave out.
She slid down to the cold floor and broke.
Her shoulders trembled as silent screams tore through her chest. Her hand clamped over her mouth, muffling the sobs that desperately fought to escape. Tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks, her entire body shaking with the force of emotions she could no longer contain.
For a long time... she just sat there.
Broken. Breathing. Burning.
Finally, through gritted teeth, she whispered to her reflection,
"I hate you, Atharva Raisinghani... I have never hated anyone the way I hate you... and I never will."
Her tear-filled eyes slowly hardened.
"But I am Maya Raghuvanshi... and I don't lose this easily."
With that, she wiped her face roughly and stood up.
A few moments later, she stepped out of the bathroom.
The room was completely silent.
Too silent.
Even the closet was empty.
Maya walked slowly and sat on the edge of the bed, her mind still storming - until suddenly Nidhi's frightened face flashed before her eyes.
Her spine stiffened.
Without wasting another second, she stood and hurried toward the door-
But stopped.
Atharva was already there.
Leaning casually in her path.
His dark eyes locked onto hers.
"Where to, biwi?" he asked smoothly. "Where are you going?"
Maya held his gaze for a brief second before answering firmly,
"To Nidhi."
Atharva's expression didn't change.
"I haven't even given my father permission to meet her."
Maya's jaw tightened.
"But I will go," she said, her voice steady but burning. "You already got what you wanted. You can't stop me now. I won't let Nidhi suffer because of me."
Atharva slowly bent closer to her, his presence instantly suffocating.
"But that condition," he murmured, eyes dark with amusement, "you placed it to save your sister... not Nidhi."
A slow, dangerous smile curved his lips.
"Place another condition... and maybe I'll consider freeing her."
Something inside Maya snapped.
In one swift move, she grabbed his collar.
"Who do you think you are?" she shot back, fury blazing in her eyes. "That whatever you want will just happen? That if Atharva Raisinghani decides something, the world has to obey? That whoever you touch becomes yours?"
Her grip tightened.
"What are you, Atharva?"
For a brief second, his gaze dropped to her hand fisted in his collar... then slowly rose back to her face.
A faint, impressed smirk appeared.
"So much courage in just one day?" he murmured softly. "Impressive, biwi."
Maya immediately released his collar, her voice cold and sharp.
"Free Nidhi. Right now."
Atharva leaned back casually.
"Go," he said lazily. "Do it yourself."
And just like that, he sat down on the couch as if the matter no longer concerned him.
Maya stared at him in disbelief for a second... then turned and rushed out of the room.
-
Downstairs, the mansion was eerily quiet.
Too quiet.
Maya searched everywhere - the hall, the kitchen, the corridors, every visible door - but she couldn't find the way to the basement.
Minutes turned into what felt like forever.
Frustration clawed up her throat.
Finally she muttered under her breath,
"That's why he told me to go myself... he knew I wouldn't find it."
-
Upstairs, Atharva sat calmly, his eyes fixed on the surveillance screen.
Watching her.
Every step.
Every breath.
The entire mansion was under his gaze... and Maya had no idea.
-
Exhausted and frustrated, Maya finally turned back toward the room-
When she suddenly spotted Veer walking toward her.
"Veer!"
He stopped immediately.
"Bhabhi? You here? Did you need something?" he asked politely. "You could've told a servant... or me. What happened?"
Maya stepped closer, urgency clear in her voice.
"Where is the basement in this house?"
Veer's expression instantly changed.
"You're not thinking of going to Nidhi... are you?"
"Yes," Maya said without hesitation. "She's been in the dark for so long - no light, no food, no water. Her health will get worse. So tell me, Veer. Where is the basement?"
Veer looked genuinely troubled now.
"Bhabhi... please don't make this worse," he said carefully. "Bhai doesn't like interference in his decisions. This will only increase Nidhi's trouble... not reduce it."
Just then, Dhruv and Suman also walked over and stopped near them.
Maya's voice trembled, but her words were firm.
"So what... we should just sit quietly and do nothing? All of this is happening because of me. If I hadn't told him... maybe Nidhi wouldn't have to suffer like this."
Her throat tightened.
"But what was I supposed to do? Atharva shot my sister... he would have killed her..."
A few tears slipped down her cheeks despite her effort to stay strong.
Suman stepped closer and gently placed her hand on Maya's head.
"Beta... I understand nothing right is happening with you," she said softly. "But don't get involved in all this. The farther you stay from these matters... the easier things will feel."
Dhruv nodded in agreement.
"Yes, bhabhi. You don't know bhai properly yet... that's why even Papa didn't say anything."
Maya looked at all of them - one by one - her eyes dimming.
Without another word, she lowered her gaze and turned to leave-
"-If my wife asked where the basement is, you should have told her."
Atharva's cold voice cut through the air.
All four of them froze.
Their heads snapped toward him.
He walked forward slowly... and stopped right in front of Maya.
Suman's brows knitted.
"You should have told her? And then what would you have done with us... or with Maya... the same thing you did with Nidhi?"
Atharva's eyes shifted to Maya's tear-stained face.
His jaw flexed once.
"Ma," he said quietly, "I don't like seeing tears in my wife's eyes. If she wants to know something... you should tell her."
Near the doorway, Rajvendra stood silently, watching everything unfold.
A heavy silence followed.
Then-
"Come, bhabhi," Veer said gently. "I'll show you."
Maya glanced once at Atharva.
His lips curved into the faintest devilish smile.
Something about it made her chest tighten.
Without another word, she walked with Veer toward the basement.
Behind them, Atharva watched her go for a long moment... then casually moved to the hall couch and sat down, as if nothing about this disturbed him.
The rest of the family stood off to the side, still shaken.
-
Basement
The moment Maya stepped inside, Veer switched on the lights from outside.
The dim space flooded with harsh white light.
Nidhi was lying on the floor... crying softly.
Maya rushed forward and immediately placed her hand on Nidhi's shoulder.
"Nidhi..."
Nidhi looked up - and the second she saw Maya, she threw her arms around her and broke down.
Maya's expression softened.
She sat there for a few moments, gently consoling her, whispering soft reassurances while Veer stood quietly nearby, watching the scene unfold.
After some time, the three of them walked back upstairs toward the hall.
Maya carefully seated Nidhi at the dining table and handed her a glass of water.
Veer moved back to stand beside Dhruv.
Everyone's eyes were on Maya...
Except Atharva's.
He sat on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone - as if none of this concerned him.
-
A moment later, Rajvendra cleared his throat.
"So... should we keep the reception function this evening?"
Atharva didn't even look up.
"As you think is right."
Suman spoke next.
"And the remaining rituals couldn't be completed this morning... we'll do them after the function."
Atharva gave a distracted hum.
"Mm-hmm."
Suman continued carefully,
"And tomorrow, Maya will go to her parents' house for pag phere."
That made Atharva look up.
"What kind of ritual is that?"
Suman explained patiently,
"After marriage, the girl visits her parents' home... stays a few days... and then returns to her sasural."
Atharva's expression hardened.
"No. That won't happen."
Everyone turned toward him at once.
Even Maya and Nidhi.
Suman frowned.
"Why? It's a ritual. Why are you refusing?"
Atharva spoke calmly - but his tone left no room for argument.
"If it's a ritual, fine. I'll take her in the morning... and bring her back in the evening."
Maya immediately stepped forward.
"Why?" she demanded. "Now I can't even stay in my own house?"
Atharva's reply was simple.
"No."
Maya's frustration spilled over.
"What's the reason? All my things are there - my books, laptop, college ID, everything. How am I supposed to pack everything in one day? And I still have to complete the remaining rituals."
Atharva's gaze didn't soften.
"If that's the issue," he said coolly, "I'll buy everything new for you."
For a split second-
Veer and Dhruv almost smiled.
Rajvendra shot them a sharp look.
Both immediately suppressed their expressions.
Maya folded her arms, frustration simmering in her eyes.
"So after marriage, I'm supposed to stay locked in the room all day? Not go anywhere... not meet anyone?"
Atharva's expression didn't change.
"When did I say that?" he replied coolly. "This is a huge house. There's a garden, terrace, pool... everything. Go wherever you want. Spend time with the family. Even go to college. Study."
His gaze settled on her - sharp and possessive.
"I'm not stopping you from going to your parents' house... I'm just stopping you from staying there. You'll go with me... and you'll return with me."
Maya's brows pulled together.
"Why is it such a problem for you?"
Atharva tilted his head slightly.
"What if you run away?"
A hollow, almost bitter smile touched Maya's lips.
"From you? How far could I possibly run from you? The whole city belongs to you."
A faint smirk appeared on Atharva's face.
"Point," he admitted. Then his tone hardened again. "But still - you can't stay."
Maya crossed her arms stubbornly.
"Then you stay there too. Live at my house as long as I stay."
For a brief moment... Atharva actually thought.
Then-
"Good plan," he said calmly. "Then fine."
Maya blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Her eyes widened in pure disbelief as she looked at him... then at the rest of the family.
She clearly hadn't expected him to agree.
"You won't have any problem staying there?" she asked slowly. "Our house isn't this big... and we don't have so many servants. How will you adjust?"
Atharva's attention had already returned to his phone.
"You'll be there, won't you?"
Maya hesitated.
"But-"
Atharva looked up - one sharp warning in his eyes.
"I will not repeat myself. Okay?"
The words were quiet.
But final.
Maya understood.
Without arguing further, she turned and walked toward Nidhi.
-
A little distance away...
Dhruv leaned slightly toward Veer and whispered,
"Don't you think bhai just can't leave bhabhi alone?"
Veer's lips twitched.
"Or maybe... he doesn't want to."
The two brothers exchanged a knowing look - faint smiles quickly forming.
-
Later, after lunch...
Maya finally returned to her room.
The exhaustion of the entire day crashed over her at once. She dropped onto the bed without even changing, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Then her eyes fell on her phone.
Her heart skipped.
"So many calls from Anvi... shit. What if something happened to Di..."
She immediately dialed back.
The call connected instantly.
"Have you gone nuts?" Anvi burst out from the other side. "You didn't call even once since morning - it's almost evening! I was losing my mind here. God knows why I even told you everything- and you don't even care about me!"
Maya groaned softly.
"Uff, so much anger. Calm down first... then I'll say something."
Anvi sighed "Yes Tell me now!"
"First tell me - how is Kavya di? And Karan bhaiya?"asked Maya
"They're in the hospital," Anvi said. "The bullets have been removed. They lost a lot of blood, but they're stable now. They'll be discharged in a few days."
Maya finally exhaled.
"Hmm... and everyone at home?"
"Everyone's fine," Anvi replied, then added meaningfully, "But I must say - your in-laws are something else."
Maya frowned slightly.
"What happened now?"
"After everything that happened since yesterday... for them everything is normal. They've even kept the reception today. All rituals going on like clockwork."
Maya let out a slow, tired breath.
"The whole family is like that..."
Still on the call, she slowly walked toward the balcony.
Behind her-
The bedroom door quietly opened.
Atharva stepped inside... and leaned silently against the doorframe, listening.
Unnoticed.
Anvi continued,
"Anyway, since they invited, everyone will come because of you. Otherwise no one was in the mood to attend any function."
Maya_"Achha... and Bade Papa and others still angry at Kavya di? Did they find out everything?"
"Yeah," Anvi sighed. "Aunty told them everything. They were angry... but seeing her condition, what could they do? They forgave her."
Relief softened Maya's face.
"That's good... By the way, I'm coming home tomorrow."
"Really?" Anvi's voice lit up.
"Yep... but REMO Atharva will also be there."
Atharva's eyes narrowed slightly at the new nickname.
"Remo? What kind of name is that?" Anvi asked, confused.
Maya's lips twitched despite herself.
"Rude Egoistic Monkey Oafish Atharva."
Anvi burst out laughing.
"What a name you've given jiju-"
"Don't 'jiju jiju' him too much," Maya cut her off immediately. "He's no jiju of yours. Completely shameless, that man."
Anvi giggled.
"Accha? What did he do now? I only know about the orange story... did something else happen after that?"
Maya froze mid-step.
"One minute... how do you know about the orange story... wait- you didn't disconnect the call that time, did you?"
Anvi_"Nope."
"You little demon!" Maya whisper-yelled. "Who listens to someone's private conversation like that?"
Anvi said,
"Accha? Since when do we have 'private' between you and me? Anyway, you would've told me yourself... I just saved time."
Maya sighed in defeat.
"Yeah fine... I would have told you. But myself... and ah..."
She hesitated slightly, biting her lower lip.
"...Actually... there's something else I need to tell you."
(And Atharva... still standing silently near the door... was listening to every single word.)
"Something naughty?" Anvi's voice turned teasing. "Tell me... did something happen between you two?"
Maya's eyes narrowed instantly.
"Shut up, Anvi. Nothing happened... and nothing can happen between us. I don't like him at all."
A deep voice cut through the air behind her-
"Really? Nothing can happen between us?"
Maya froze.
Her eyes widened in shock as she spun around.
"Y-you! Since when have you been standing there?"
Atharva didn't answer.
He simply walked toward her - slow, predatory steps - until he was close enough to steal the phone right out of her hands.
"First disconnect the call," he said lazily. "Otherwise your best friend, aka saali sahiba, will once again enjoy our private conversation."
Then his gaze flicked to the screen.
"What now, Anvi? Waiting for a video call?"
On the other side, Anvi's mouth fell open in stunned silence-and the call abruptly ended.
Atharva had already cut it.
Maya lunged forward, trying to snatch her phone back.
"Give me my phone! And don't you feel ashamed talking like that?"
But before she could react-
Atharva caught both her wrists.
In one swift motion, he lifted her hands above her head and pinned her gently - yet firmly - against the wall.
Maya's breath hitched.
She was about to protest when his low voice brushed past her ear-
"So... nothing can happen between us?"
Maya forced steel into her voice.
"No. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever."
For a brief second, something dark flickered in Atharva's eyes.
"What makes you think," he murmured slowly, "that after seeing you naked... I'll be able to control myself?"
The memory flashed through Maya's mind like lightning.
Her jaw tightened.
"Whether you control yourself or not is your problem," she shot back. "But I won't let anything happen. And don't forget the vows I took at the wedding... I haven't forgotten a single one."
Atharva's brow lifted slightly.
"Oh? Then why haven't you done anything yet, Mrs. Atharva Raisinghani?"
Maya's chin lifted - defiant.
"I'm just waiting for the right opportunity."
For a moment...
Silence stretched between them.
Then suddenly, Atharva released her.
He stepped back, a slow, dangerous smile forming.
"Great," he said softly. "I'm waiting for your turn."
Maya straightened immediately.
"Now give me my phone."
"Later," he replied casually. "Right now... I want to decide your dress for tonight."
Maya blinked in disbelief.
"Seriously? You'll decide? I know how to dress myself, okay? I don't need your help."
Atharva simply clapped once.
The bedroom doors opened instantly.
Several designers entered, pushing in a trolley filled with luxurious outfits.
Maya stared.
Atharva casually took her hand and pulled her down beside him on the couch.
His gaze swept over her face.
"Finding a dress that matches my wife's beauty is impossible," he said smoothly.
Then his eyes moved to the designers.
"But... show me your best."
The designers nodded eagerly and began presenting outfits one by one.
Fabric shimmered.
Sequins caught the light.
Silks whispered through the air.
After a few minutes, Atharva leaned back slightly.
"Mm... okay."
His finger lifted - pointing decisively.
"In the end... I want to see my wife in a saree."
His gaze sharpened on one particular piece.
"This one."
A brief pause.
"But the blouse..." his voice dipped lower, "...I want it backless."
Maya's head snapped toward him.
"What? Backless? And I am not wearing a saree. I want that gown."
Atharva turned his head slowly and looked at her.
Cold.
Controlled.
"Did I ask you?"
Maya's fingers curled slightly at her sides.
Inside, she burned.
Fine.Wear the saree, huh? Let's see about that.
Atharva had already turned back to the designers.
"Okay. Get this saree and blouse ready."
The designers immediately nodded and hurried out.
And Maya stood there...
Silent on the outside.
Rebellion blazing on the inside.
"Maya - my phone?"
Without a word, Atharva handed it to her.
Maya immediately stood and turned toward the bathroom.
Before she could take another step, Atharva caught her wrist.
"Where are you going?"
"Bathroom," Maya replied casually. "Face wash and mask. If I have to look good in a saree, I'll have to do this, right?"
For a brief moment, Atharva studied her face - as if trying to read something beneath the surface.
Then slowly... he released her hand.
Maya walked straight into the bathroom.
-
A while later, she stepped out.
Her skin now carried a soft glow, a faint pink tint blooming across her cheeks. Humming lightly under her breath, she stopped in front of the mirror, quietly admiring her reflection.
From the couch, Atharva watched her.
Silently.
Something about her calm acceptance didn't sit right with him.
How did she agree to the saree so easily?
That wasn't like Maya.
"Mom called me," Maya said while walking toward the door. "Something about jewellery. I'll be back."
Atharva said nothing.
Maya quietly left the room.
-
Just then...
Her phone lit up with a message notification.
Atharva's gaze flicked toward it.
Slowly, he rose from the couch and walked to the dressing table, picking up the phone.
The screen displayed Anvi's chat.
And there it was-
Maya's little plan about wearing the gown.
A slow, knowing smirk tugged at Atharva's lips.
Without reacting further, he placed the phone back exactly where it was... and walked toward the bathroom.
A few minutes later, freshly changed, he moved straight into the closet.
-
Some time passed.
The bedroom door opened quietly.
Maya slipped inside.
Her eyes quickly scanned the room.
Clear.
Without wasting a second, she hurriedly hid a small box beside the dressing table.
Right then-
The closet door opened.
Atharva stepped out in a black designer suit, adjusting his watch.
For a brief moment...
Maya forgot to breathe.Damn.He looked dangerously handsome.
Atharva's eyes lifted toward her.
Maya immediately looked away.
"Got your jewellery?" he asked calmly.
"H-haan."Said maya.
"Where is it? Show me."asked Atharva
Maya trembled_"Ah... I'll wear it and show you, okay? How can I show you now?"
Atharva hummed softly.
"Mm-hmm. Okay."
He sat back on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone.
Maya waited.
One minute.
Two minutes.
He didn't move.
Just then, two female servants entered the room carrying clothes and a makeup kit.
Maya looked at them... then quickly at Atharva.
"Uh... I think you should go downstairs. Everyone must be waiting for you. The guests must have arrived by now..."
Atharva lifted his gaze toward her.
"Don't worry," he said lazily. "I'm the groom. I can make them wait."
His eyes held hers.
"You get ready. We'll go together."
Maya's eyes widened.
"Why? It's not nice to keep people waiting. You go... I'll come."
Atharva watched her for a long, unreadable moment.
Then his voice turned quietly dangerous.
"Get her ready in front of me."
Maya stiffened.
"I want to capture every moment."
Maya_"What? You can't do that!"
Atharva's eyes darkened slightly.
"Don't try to provoke me, biwi... or I might repeat the morning scene.Or should I change your clothes?"
Inside her head-
Fuck. I am dead.
Atharva gave a single command.
"Go."
The servants immediately nodded.
They gently led Maya into the closet, helping her change into the blouse and petticoat before bringing her back out.
When Maya stepped into the room again...The color had drained slightly from her face.
One by one, the servants began getting her ready.
And from the couch-
Atharva watched.
Quiet.
Patient.
Unmoving.
Like a man who already knew the game she was trying to play.
Some time later...
Maya stood ready.
Wrapped in a deep red designer saree that hugged her figure with quiet elegance. Her hair fell in soft curls over her shoulders, left open to frame her face. The makeup was flawless, the large jhumkas brushing lightly against her neck whenever she moved.
She looked breathtaking.
But-
There was no smile on her face.
Not even a trace.
The servants quietly excused themselves and left the room.
Silence settled between them.
Atharva slowly lifted his phone... and clicked her picture.
The soft shutter sound broke the stillness.
Maya immediately looked at him.
"Why did you click my picture?"
"Just like that."
His voice was casual.
Too casual.
Then he pushed himself off the couch and walked toward her, stopping just inches away. Slowly, deliberately, he extended his hand toward her.
"Let's go. Everyone is waiting."
Maya glanced at his hand... then deliberately tried to walk past him without taking it.
But before she could-
Atharva's hand slid firmly around her waist, pulling her slightly back.
His voice dropped, low and dangerous near her ear.
"Why do you want to ruin your makeup?"
Maya's brows knit.
"How would that happen?"
Atharva's gaze slowly dropped to her lips... lingering there for a moment too long.
Then his eyes lifted back to hers.
"If I kiss you intensely... your makeup will definitely be ruined."
Maya's eyes flashed.
"Kiss? Do you have a habit of dreaming with your eyes open?"
For a brief second...
Atharva's expression darkened with something unreadable.
His thumb subtly tightened at her waist.
"I will tell you tonight biwi."
The promise in his voice was quiet-
But heavy.
Before Maya could react further, he firmly locked her hand into his palm... and began walking toward the door, pulling her along with him.
Like the night ahead already belonged to him.